Injured star returns with impressive trial win

Samadoubt made his first public appearance since the 2019 Craven Plate in the second 900m trial and showed his rivals a clean pair of heels.

The Group One Winx Stakes winner, who has been sidelined for a year by a tendon injury, bowled along under his own steam to lead throughout for Tim Clark.

Trainer Bjorn Baker said the seven-year-old had undergone a long and gradual build up and would trial again before resuming in the Group One Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on March 6.

“I was just thrilled to see he has still got the zest for racing,” Baker said.

“He didn’t run a great time but it was just the trial we wanted first up.

“We will probably look for another trial and he will head towards the Canterbury Stakes into the George Ryder, all going well, but at this stage he is very much a day-to-day proposition so we’re not getting carried away.”

Outstanding mare Verry Elleegant wasn’t asked to do much back in the field with Golden Eagle winner Colette also given a quiet hitout.